Of course, we’re all working doubly hard to snag that career trophy-a promotion. So how come some people meet with success, while others fall by the wayside?

If you think good performance and a proper work ethic are enough to gain you recognition, think again. Cutthroat competition and shrinking opportunities mean you have to work not just harder but also smarter to be head and shoulders above other pretenders to the position. Here are some tips to catch management’s eye-and approval:

1. Keep up with the trends. You can’t lead if you’re always the last to know. Be on top of developments in your field. Read up, study on your own and link up with the experts to be at the forefront of new directions and movements.

2. Be a lifelong student. Fight complacency and smugness. Strive to keep learning more and improving or expanding your skills set. How? By availing of company-offered training programs, or if none are provided, through self-study, graduate studies or relevant short-term courses during your free time. Find mentors who can give you experienced guidance and advice.

3. Learn to deal with people. If you’re shy, you’ll never get ahead because you won’t hit your sales quota or be able to competently lead a team. Work on your communication skills and reach out to people. Network so that your visibility is high and you’re abreast of vital news and developments in your company and industry.

4. Dress and act the part. If you have your eye on the next level, carry yourself as though you are already in that position. Acquire the skills and traits that befit the title. Be professional-don’t whine or complain and don’t backbite your superior. Avoid peppering your desk with photos of your family or boyfriend or pets. Clear away knickknacks and curios to make space for work files and documents. This shows you’re serious about your career.

5. Toot your own horn. Work hard, but be sure your efforts don’t go unnoticed. Let your boss know you are the brains behind a successful project by claiming ownership. Do this through such simple acts as writing, “Prepared by….” in reports you submit or saying, “Thank you. I gave it my best,” when congratulated for a job well done.

6. Include others in your success. Even as you acknowledge praise, don’t hog the limelight. Give credit where credit is due. Share the accolade with the rest of the team and you’ll show you’re a team player. Nobody will believe you did it on your own, anyway, and you’ll get the support of your group members.

7. Always exceed expectations. Deliver more than what is required. Volunteer to head difficult tasks that others have rejected, especially if you’re confident you can pull it off. See it as a challenge and an investment that could pay off handsomely in the future.

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